LOGAN, Utah – Returning to the field for the first time in three weeks, Utah State softball (8-11, 0-2 MW) opened the home and Mountain West portions of its season Saturday, falling to Fresno State twice. 

The Aggies and Bulldogs battled in a nine-inning game to start the day with the Bulldogs earning the 1-0 win. On the opposite end, the second game was over in five innings, as Fresno State defeated USU, 9-1. 

GAME ONE
The first game of the doubleheader quickly turned into a battle of the pitchers. Both teams got runners on base frequently, but struggled to get any into scoring position. The Aggie defense made several great plays through the early innings, while a Bulldog runner leaving base early kept Fresno State from scoring.

After forcing extra innings, Utah State's best chance came in the bottom of the eighth. After two outs, senior outfielder Stephanie Reed drew a walk, taking third on a single from junior first baseman Gabriella Jimenez. However, a strikeout left both runners stranded. Fresno State took the lead on a solo home run in the top of the ninth, and the Aggies were retired in order in the bottom of the inning, ending the game. 

Junior Kapri Toone threw the complete game for the Aggies, marking the longest game of her career. She recorded four strikeouts in the loss, while walking two batters. 

GAME TWO
The second game of the day started out well, but quickly got away from Utah State. The Aggies had the first hit of the game, as Jimenez doubled in the first inning. The Bulldogs answered in the top of the second though, using a triple and a double to bring a run across. The Aggies loaded the basses in the bottom of the second, but left the bags full.

The Fresno State offense exploded in the third, putting together eight runs on five hits and two USU errors. The Bulldogs worked through 12 batters that inning, hitting three doubles and one home run. The Aggies evaded the shutout with a solo home run from Reed, but it wasn't enough to keep the game going. 

Freshman Jessica Stewart started the second game in the circle, throwing 3.1 innings before being relieved by senior Delaney Hull. Stewart had one strikeout and one walk in her innings of work. 

The Aggies and Bulldogs will conclude their series on Sunday, March 28, in a 10:30 a.m. game.

Fans can follow the Aggie softball program on Twitter, @USUSoftball, on Facebook at /USUSoftball or on Instagram, @ususoftball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at /USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.